Screwdriver Bits: Features Of The Angular And Magnetic Versions. How To Choose A Nozzle For Self-tapping Screws? How To Change?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-18 12:09

Recently, repairs have become much easier and simpler, since the dismantling and assembly of fasteners is carried out using such a modern tool as a screwdriver. It is easy to operate and multifunctional.

In order to properly carry out construction work, you need to know how to use the attachments to it and take precautions.

Peculiarities

The screwdriver attachment is a device that turns an electrical device into a metal cutting machine and a universal screwdriver. The use of add-ons to the screwdriver made it a popular household tool that allows you to carry out construction work of any complexity at home.

The attachments are easy to put on and remove from the device, and also have a number of advantages:

• simple operation;
• processing of material with a smooth cut and without burrs;
• multifunctionality;
• high performance;
• ease of maintenance.

As for the disadvantages, there are none, except that some types are expensive

In addition, a screwdriver with attachments is in many ways inferior in efficiency and productivity to professional devices, since it is a simplified household version of the tool. At the same time, in terms of drilling speed, many nozzles can compete with devices for cutting and polishing metal. They are also indispensable for roof mounting and for screwing various fasteners.

Due to the fact that the attachments are available in a huge assortment, they are ideal for the protrusions and grooves of any element.

Screwdriver bits can be sold either complete with the device or separately.

Before using them in work, you should check their compliance with the dimensions of the screw head or self-tapping screw. If the fastener is secured tightly, then the bit will fit.

Do not use damaged or previously used self-tapping screws for fasteners .… Tightening them can damage the edges of the bit, and it will quickly fail.

Varieties

Today the construction market presents a huge assortment of screwdriver attachments, thanks to which the device acquires many functions and at the same time becomes a drill, saw, mixer or polishing brush.

All attachments are divided into three types: basic, combined and special

• The main working element has a hex or cruciform head, it fits any self-tapping screws and provides good adhesion to the fastener. In this case, the head of the nozzle can be magnetic, which facilitates the twisting process. In terms of their characteristics, such nozzles are similar to a screwdriver.
• The combined view differs from the previous one in that it has a working surface at both ends. Each part of the bit has its own size and attachment system. During operation, the necessary part remains, and the unnecessary is dismantled. This nozzle is universal.
• As for the special bits, they are intended mainly for tying reinforcement and adjusting the depth of screwing in and out of screws at sharp angles.

For rivets

One-piece joints, which are usually called traditional rivets, are rare because they are much inferior to welding. Threaded and blind rivets are considered the most common and special rivet nozzles are used to fix them, which are put on a screwdriver.

It is a versatile attachment that is suitable for both electric and cordless devices. Thanks to such attachments, it is possible to install nut rivets and core elements.

The use of rivets depends on the design of the screwdriver, they are only suitable if the drive is reversible. Products are designed for fixing steel, aluminum rivets with a diameter of 2.4 to 5 mm and sleeves made of non-ferrous metal with a diameter of no more than 25 mm.

If a cordless screwdriver is used in the work, then the voltage of its battery should not exceed 12 V. The process of installing such attachments is simple. In addition, their compact size allows them to be stored in the same case as the screwdriver.

Angle adapter

This is an angular device with which you can twist / unscrew hardware in hard-to-reach places where ordinary screwdriver nozzles do not reach. The angle adapter can also change the direction of the axis when the spindle rotates. Thanks to this tool, work is simplified: the device can be held perpendicular to the surface, and the hardware can be twisted at an angle, left or right. With such a device, even a novice master can do the job.

Depending on the technical characteristics and capabilities, such nozzles are divided into two types: flexible and rigid

Flexible angle adapter changes the direction of the torsion axis along the flexible link. Outwardly, the instrument resembles a drill used by dentists in dental treatment. This is a flexible shaft, which at one end is connected to the chuck of the screwdriver, and at the other end is the working bit. This device allows you to quickly and easily penetrate into hard-to-reach areas and unscrew the screws.

However, a flexible chuck will not be able to cope with fasteners made from a tough alloy.

Hard adapter has the form of a short nozzle, in which the direction of the axis changes during rotation under mechanical stress. Unlike the flexible type, this device has a more durable cartridge. With the help of it, it is easy to scroll and dismantle the hardware from any side. Such an attachment is recommended for professional models of screwdrivers, since during its rotation there are high loads on the motor and vibration.

It is not recommended to use force when operating this angle adapter, otherwise the shaft may be damaged.

For cutting metal

During construction and repair, it is quite often necessary to perform various works with metal. Cutting of sheets and thin parts is carried out using a special attachment, which is called a "cricket". It is easily inserted into the device and works according to the principle of power impact.

The tool barrel gently punches small holes in the metal, moves smoothly over the entire surface and provides a continuous and smooth cut. Cutting is fast and has no restrictions on the tool path.

Scissors

This is a classic version of the nozzle, which is used for metal work. It looks like a shaft on a bearing, which is installed in the eccentric and circulates freely. This system has one interesting feature: electrical energy is supplied to the shaft exclusively for rotation. One part of the scissors is placed on a special frame, and the other on the axis.

Such a nozzle can perform reciprocating movements and is considered a good option for metal processing.

For polishing

Thanks to this attachment, the surface to be treated is perfectly smooth. The polishing process is carried out with an end disk, it removes the microscopic layer of the material without changing its thickness.

The nozzle contains in its kit a thrust disc with attachments for the polishing material, and a threaded tip holding it. Connections in the tool can be designed for both left and right rotation of the shaft.

During operation, the nozzle disk wears out and can be easily replaced with a new one. Replacement discs are usually made of polyurethane and can be up to a few millimeters thick. To increase the polishing effect, polishing pastes are used simultaneously with the disc.

There are discs made of felt, artificial or natural wool. Thanks to such devices, you can quickly polish the polycarbonate surface, car body and glass. During work, it is necessary to ensure that the nozzle circle is parallel to the surface to be treated ..

Bit holder

This device allows you to install any attachments on the screwdriver, regardless of their length.

Holders are of several types

• The most common option is considered to be a magnetic holder, or as it is also called an extension cord, it is available in various sizes (from 50 to 150 mm). A distinctive feature of this device is that a magnet is placed inside it. It is able to attract not only the bit installed in the device, but also the screws that need to be tightened.
• Often, a holder for long screws is also used in construction work. It is difficult to screw fasteners longer than 75 mm with conventional attachments, as the screws can slip and dangle. Thanks to this device, the work is simplified. A special tube, with which the holder is equipped, fixes the screws and prevents them from loosening when screwing. As the fastener is screwed in, the tube returns to its original position.
• The holder for hexagonal heads is also considered indispensable for repairs. This is due to the fact that many self-tapping screws are not produced with straight, but with hexagonal slots. As a rule, such holders are used when carrying out roofing works. Special bits for screwing in hexagonal self-tapping screws are not suitable. In this case, fastening can also be performed with conventional heads, but they must be installed on a magnetic holder.

All of the above types of bit holders are presented in a huge assortment. Therefore, before starting construction work, you need to decide which holder will be more useful. Thanks to these additions, the screwdriver is widely used.

Every master needs to have the maximum set of nozzles in his home set. This will allow you to quickly and efficiently perform any type of work both in an apartment and in a country house.

Operating tips

• Before you start using a screwdriver, you should choose the right bit. It must correspond to the type of work and fit in diameter to the head of the fasteners.
• To insert the bit into a tool equipped with a keyless chuck, it must be pushed between the “cams”, carefully turning the sleeve clockwise. If the design of the screwdriver has a key cartridge, then the bit is installed in a special socket and turned with a key until it is fully fixed in a clockwise direction. After the selected bit is set, the device can be connected to the network and proceed to direct operation.
• To reduce or, conversely, increase the rotation speed of the nozzle, you need to weaken or increase the impact on the start button.
• When the fastener is tightened, the limit sensor will automatically be triggered and the device will stop working.
• When unscrewing the screw, the bit must be placed in the slot, while first setting the rotation of the bit to work in the opposite direction.
• If during operation it is necessary to remove or change the nozzle, you must first turn on the reverse mode. When the bit is turned in the opposite direction, the hand grips the ring holding it, and the bit is easily removed and replaced with another.

How to choose?

Since the construction market today is represented by a huge selection of screwdriver attachments, it is difficult for novice craftsmen to make the right choice in favor of this or that product.

Therefore, when going shopping, it is important to consider the following points

Material … Particular attention should be paid to the material from which the bat is made. Experts recommend assembling tungsten, vanadium, molybdenum and chromium nozzles. Steel bits have many disadvantages, they wear out quickly and do not provide quality performance.

Bits made from an alloy of several metals are considered an excellent option. In this case, not only the working part, but also the fastening elements should be metal.

• Place of purchase … It is advisable to purchase such tools in specialized stores, and not on the market. Their quality and duration of operation will depend on this. In addition, sellers must provide product certifications and a warranty period. If the attachments are needed only for one time, then you can buy cheaper options.
• Protective covering … It is best to give preference to bits that are titanium-plated. They are the most resistant, durable and not inferior in performance to nickel and diamond coated tips. Bits with a protective layer made of tungsten are also quite good. They are not afraid of corrosion and last much longer than uncoated ones.
• Trademark … Recently, you can find nozzles from various manufacturers on sale. They differ not only in price, but also in technical characteristics. Bits from the Slot, Torx and Pozidriv brands received good reviews. They are of high quality, durable and reliable in operation. As for the price issue, these manufacturers produce nozzles of various prices.